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The HIMSS Prescription for 2016: Heavy Doses of Interoperability and Connectivity

Damon Auer, Vice President, Health and Life Sciences for Tribridge Read More

If HIMSS was any indication, 2016 is already shaping up to be an important year for healthcare. The halls were filled with everything from connected health devices and robots to next-generation EHRs. And it was clear from traffic in the booths of the major vendors that many providers are eager to accelerate toward sustainable, value-based care models. After participating in the conference, I believe the ecosystem driving this exciting innovation is ready to lead the transformation.

There were many intense conversations around the recent MACRA (Medicare Access & CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015) announcement from CMS and how that changes meaningful use – and when. From a technology perspective, connectivity and interoperability were noticeable buzzwords. But whether interoperability is still more aspirational than real was certainly on the minds of many.

The connectivity theme reverberated on several levels, especially with connected devices like Medisafe, which lets physicians track medication adherence. Another single-use wearable of interest was VitalPatch from Vital Connect, which monitors and records single lead ECG, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, posture, step count and fall detection. And, of course, the second-generation Microsoft Band was on display next to our own Health360 solution. Many believe that connected devices can indeed foster meaningful patient-provider connections, leading to better outcomes. We do as well.

What made the event personally most worthwhile, however, was the opportunity to speak with healthcare providers from around the world. As part of the Microsoft booth, we drew crowds interested in learning about Tribridge Health360, our cloud-based Population Health Management (PHM) solution, and what we’re doing with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the ImagineCare initiative. There’s abundant proof that device-enabled PHM is now squarely on providers' agendas. More important, by the questions we received and conversations initiated onsite, it's clear that providers are moving forward in earnest. Fortunately, so are we.

Check out this quick 2-minute video on Health360 we showed at HIMSS and learn how you can achieve more personalized care with an integrated cloud-based, customer-centered CRM solution.